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The art of cognac: from sour grapes to fine brandy
Cognac is a brandy from the "Cognac" region in the south-west of France. It is mainly distilled from three grape varieties that are rarely found in great wines: Ugni-Blanc (also known as Trebbiano), Folle Blanche and Colombard. Exceptions confirm the rule, but are then declared.
When fermented, these grapes produce "sour wine" that only becomes drinkable after double distillation. Distillation takes place in copper alembics, the shape and size of which are subject to clear rules and are strictly controlled by the authorities.
After distillation, the young cognac is stored in oak barrels for years. With a few exceptions, all cognacs are a blend of different barrels, and each individual cognac in this composition must be recorded so that its origin can be traced back. This is referred to as the age of a cognac, which indicates how old the youngest "eau de vie" in this blend is. Barrels that are 100 years old are still used!
If the cognac does not have an age indication on the bottle, then: VS, VSOP, XO.
Meaning:
- VS stands for Very Special. Such a cognac must be at least two years old, although it is often more.
- VSOP stands for Very Superior Old Pale. This is at least 4 years old.
- XO stands for Extra Old. This used to have to be at least 8 years old, but since 2018 it has been 10. This cognac is sometimes also called “Napoleon”.
As with whisky, "information is the minimum age of the youngest cask used"